Ireland’s wild deer population has reached unsustainable levels and now, a national plan is underway to manage it.
FRS Co-Op has officially appointed local coordinators to lead 15 newly established Deer Management Units (DMUs) across key deer population hotspots in Ireland. These units are a major step forward in addressing the growing concerns around deer-related impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and road safety.
What Are Deer Management Units (DMUs)?
DMUs are specially designated zones in regions of Ireland where wild deer are having a significant negative impact. These areas were identified using data such as native woodland monitoring, commercial forest inventories, and road traffic accident statistics involving deer.
Each DMU will now have a local coordinator, appointed by FRS Co-Op, to act as a liaison between landowners, hunters, farmers, and environmental stakeholders.
Why Ireland Needs Deer Management Now
Ireland’s deer population has grown significantly in recent decades. Though no exact figures are available, evidence shows rising numbers are leading to:
- Damage to native woodlands and farmland
- Increased road traffic accidents
- Loss of biodiversity in sensitive habitats
In a recent survey from the Deer Management Strategy Group, over 80% of stakeholders identified these issues as “very” or “somewhat important.”
FRS Co-Op Leads the Way in Wildlife Population Control
Appointed earlier this year to implement key elements of the national Deer Management Strategy, FRS Co-Op’s mission is to deliver real change on the ground. Coordinators will work with local communities to identify specific issues in each DMU and organise strategic deer population control measures.
Michael Keegan, FRS Co-Op’s Deer Management Programme Manager, stated:
“This is an important step toward implementing the national strategy. I’d encourage any landowners or farmers dealing with wild deer problems to contact us directly, we’re here to help coordinate efforts.”
Get Involved in Local Deer Management
FRS Co-Op is encouraging landowners and farmers in affected areas to either join or form local deer management groups. These groups will play a vital role in ensuring that deer populations are reduced to sustainable levels, helping to:
- Restore biodiversity
- Reduce damage to farmland and forests
- Lower deer-related traffic accidents
Contact FRS Co-Op’s Deer Management Team
Are you located in a deer hotspot and want to know more about how to get involved?
